Early Childhood (BS)

Students preparing to work in childhood programs or agencies serving young children that do not require a teaching certificate graduate with a major in Early Childhood.

Students who wish to obtain certification to teach in kindergarten through 3rd grade graduate with a major in Early Childhood Education. (See Early Childhood Education description.)

Program Prerequisite: Not required.

Minor: Required. In lieu of a minor, a specialization of 15 credit hours may be substituted as approved by the department. Six of these hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 or above).

Grade Requirements: A grade of C or better in each course is required for this major in addition to a cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all courses. Students will receive the final grade they have earned in each course. If a grade in a major course does not meet the minimum requirement for graduation, the student may retake the course once. In special circumstances, by the judgment of the department chair, the student may petition to the Family Studies or Early Childhood Committee, as appropriate, to graduate with the lower grade.

Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation; 43 of these are required within the major. A minimum of 40 credit hours must be upper division (courses numbered 3000 and above); 22 of these are required within the major.

Advisement

Students must follow the Department of Child and Family Studies Advisement procedures. Contact the department advisor located in the McKay Education Building, Room 248 (801-626-6411).

Students enrolling in CHF 2600, CHF 2610 and CHF 2620 will be working with families and children; the State of Utah requires a background check and clearance. Applicants must be fingerprinted and complete a background check before being fully accepted into the program. A handout available from the department secretary explains the procedure and nominal expenses. If the background check reveals misconduct, you will not be allowed to enroll in these courses or any others which include field experience, practica or student teaching. Background checks required up to eight weeks and should be completed, or in progress, prior to enrolling in CHF 2600, CHF 2610 and CHF 2620. See the department secretary for further details.